Alcoholism Is a Disease Essay 2

Alcoholism is a disease that can be treated, but through research. I have found that there is no cure for the disease. I t is noted that nearly 14 million people in the U.S. (7.4 % of Americans) abuse alcohol or are alcoholics (Dorsey, Larson, Segal1). Severe alcoholism can also lead to organ damage such as cirrhosis of liver, epilepsy, and gastritis. Because alcoholism is a disease, genetic and environmental factors have plenty to do with its development. To support my belief that alcoholism is a disease, I have implemented the result of a two-year multidisciplinary effort by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCAADD) and the American Society of Addition Medicine (ASAM), which redefines alcoholism, reflected by current and clinical and scientific data. There are widespread problems dealing with alcoholism. According to National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2004) nearly 14 million Americans (1 in every 13 adults) are alcoholic. Economically, alcohol related problems cost society approximately $185 billion per year. It is more than just monetary; it is also physical and mental. Alcoholism consists of four stages (“Alcoholism getting the Facts”, 2004). The first stage is craving which is a strong need for a drink. The second stages loss of control which is not being able to limit one’s drinking. The third stage physical dependence such as withdrawal symptoms. The fourth and final stage is tolerance, the need to drink more in order to get high. Understanding the four stage of alcoholism, it contributes to my theory that alcoholism is a disease The alcohol disease has a physical dependence; Characteristics of physical dependence, are cravings and withdrawals. Withdrawals systems can range from very mild to highly severe levels. Some symptoms are rapid heart rate and sweating agitation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, confusion, tremors, and seizures. Additionally, regular use of alcohol can cause the individual to become...

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The main organ involved with alcoholism is the brain. Alcohol interferes with the electrical charges of nerve cells that send messages to the brain about thoughts, feelings and learning. After chronic exposure to alcohol neurotransmitters are altered permanently and can also lead to brain shrinkage. Advanced states of alcoholism cause states of dementia psychosis and when their tolerance increases, alcoholics show signs of disorientation, paranoia and aggressiveness. Heavy alcohol intake reduces some of the brain's chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals give us the feeling of well-being and pleasure. At the same time alcohol releases chemicals that cause stress and depression. It is this chemical imbalance in the brain...

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Filipinos love to drink alcoholic beverages, that is. Drinking sessions are seen
almost everywhere everyday along the streets and sidewalks, inside homes, in carinderia and corner sari-sari store, and even the upmarket bars and bistros. So phenomenal has been the “tumahan” tradition that it became the undisputed national pastime and social culture of Filipinos.
While local folks’ love for drinking session might have built many a friendship and warm the cockles of good ole acquaintances, it is, at the same, taking toll on the drinkers’ health.
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Alcoholism
Is it Genetic or an Environmental Influence
Nature vs. Nurture
By: Ashley E. Wright
November 23, 2014
The argument of nature vs. nurture is a long-standing one in the psychological and social worlds. It is the argument about whether we are ruled by our genes or our upbringing. It is my opinion that neither is true. It is nature working with nurture which determines our personality and our lifestyle. Alcoholism can affect anyone; it is not prejudicial towards any race, color, sex, religion, or economic level. It has enormous costs as it pertains to societies, families, and individuals. Even though we have ideas as to what alcoholism is, what we do not know, is whether it is a genetic or environmental factor that plays a part in the problem. Researchers are continually seeking answers to the long-standing nature versus nurture debate. No one explanation seems to be better than another. In this paper I will present an insight to the factors that serve to fuel the nature or nurture debate concerning alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
There are many different definitions of alcoholism but according to the American Medical Association it is defined as a “primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations.” Alcoholism is characterized by prolonged periods of frequent heavy use, the inability...